Hitchin's long 21 game unbeaten run came to an end as Biggleswade knocked them off the top of the table.

It was a really tight game with no quarter asked or given and one goal always looked as though it would be enough. It arrived in the 89^th minute as sub Temi Akinbusoye scored from close range. Temi played 5 times for Hitchin in the 2024/25 season and continued a trend of ex-Canaries scoring against their old club. 

A draw probably would have been a fair result but Biggleswade proved difficult opponents. Manager Michael Jones felt Hitchin lacked urgency and quality in the first half but improved after the break and forced the game but failed to test the goalkeeper enough. The quality of our crossing was also below par.

Josh Coldicott-Stevens replaced Stephen Gleeson in the only change from the Hertford game. Biggleswade made the better start and Tyler McGregor made a good save from a Lawrie Marsh header after 4 minutes. Diogo Freitas-Gouveia volleyed wide before Alex Marsh headed over the bar when he probably should have scored.

 Hitchin worked their way into the game and Freitas-Gouveia had a free-kick deflected for a corner. He then did well to set up Taylor Rhiney who shot just wide. Callum Kane shot over the bar and Lewis Franklin shot wide but there was no breakthrough before half-time.

Hitchin started the second half positively with a Kye Tearle cross cum shot just wide before Rhiney hit the post from close range. Biggleswade were still dangerous and Adam Hunt came close before Coldicott-Stevens had a shot that hit Rhiney when it was goalbound.

In the 64^th minute there was a let off for Hitchin when McGregor saved from Sonny Coughlin-Brown and a further shot was just wide. Hitchin had plenty of the ball but failed to penetrate a very well organised Biggleswade defence. They effectively restricted deliveries from the wing positions and remained dangerous on the break. Akinbusoye turned sharply before producing an excellent finish in the 89^thminute. There were 6 additional minutes but Hitchin did not really threaten an equaliser.

So the unbeaten run has ended which had to happen eventually. But there is no need for panic and there will be plenty of twists and turns in the remaining games as both Leighton and Hitchin will drop points. The players have given everything this season and will be determined to ensure there is no let up. They will not always hit the heights but they have maintained a level of consistency that should ensure Hitchin will remain in the title hunt.

advertisement

 Once again there was a massive crowd with 927 packed in to Top Field and it is very important that the supporters continue to provide their great support right to the end of the season.